Viewer providing automatic cassette ejection

ABSTRACT

Projector apparatus employing a cassette-latching shaft member which automatically locates and locks a photographic cassette in an operative location responsive to insertion of the cassette in a cassette-receiving element of the apparatus. Displacement of the shaft member to its cassette-locking position allows engagement of other cooperating elements of the apparatus with the cassette and initiates operation of the latter through a preprogrammed sequence for projection including transport of the film in a forward and rewind direction. Following completion of the film rewind, the cooperating elements and the shaft member are automatically disengaged from the cassette, the latter is partially ejected and the apparatus turned off. The apparatus is also configured for operation of a multipurpose cassette which includes a processor station adapted to apply processing fluid to the film strip during its first rewind following exposure, and when the cassette is unprocessed, the apparatus automatically processes the cassette during the first film transport cycle and repeats the cycle prior to cassette ejection so as to program the latter through both a process and projection mode.

United States Patent 1191 Land [ VIEWER PROVIDING AUTOMATIC CASSETTEEJECTION (75] inventor: Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge,

Mass.

[22] Filed: Jan. 2, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 429,719

Related [1.8. Application Data [62] Division of Ser No. 227,093. Feb,I7, 1972.

1451 July 1, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT Projector apparatus employing acassette-latching shaft member which automatically locates and locks aphotographic cassette in an operative location responsive to insertionof the cassette in a cassette-receiving element of the apparatus.Displacement of the shaft member to its cassette-locking position allowsengagement of other cooperating elements of the apparatus with thecassette and initiates operation of the latter through a preprogrammedsequence for projection including transport of the film in a forward andrewind direction. Following completion of the film rewind,

[52} US. Cl 352/74; 352/72 Cooperating elements and the Shaft member are51 Int. Cl. G03!) 23/02 automatically disengaged from the cassette, thelatter [58] Field of Search 352/72, 74 is Partially ejected and theapparatus turned The apparatus is also configured for operation of amulti- 5 References cu purpose cassette which includes a processorstation UNITED STATES PATENTS adapted to apply processing fluid to thefilm strip during its first rewind following exposure, and when the i zcassette is unprocessed, the apparatus automatically 3:675:876 7/1972 ple'r'itijli ...r,....:::: 5 2/74 x processes the cassette during film "33,787,114 1 1974 Catalano 352/72 X Cycle and repeats the cycle PT")rcassene electlo so as to program the latter through both a process andPrimary ExaminerMonroe H. Hayes prolecnon mode- Artorney. Agent, orFirmDavid R. Thornton 1 Claim 7 Drawing Figures Bl I7 I28 r l 17s "l '581 I72 use m ffil l4o I67 52 I3 I73 I83 54 "5 I ..-1 H6 VIEWER PROVIDINGAUTOMATIC CASSETTE EJECTION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Thisapplication is a division of US. application Ser. No. 227,093 filed Feb.l7, 1972,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to photographic apparatus and. more particularly. to improvedapparatus for automatically operating a multipurpose film handlingcassette through preprogrammed sequences for both processing andprojection.

2. Description of the Prior Art Recent important technological advanceshave made it possible to provide multipurpose motion picture cassettesfrom which the film need not be removed during exposure. processing andprojection operations. Exemplary of such new and unique systems arethose described in prior US. Pat. No. 3,615,l27 of Edwin H. Land issuedOct. 26. 1971; US. Pat. No. 3,537,784 of Rogers B. Downey issued Nov. 3.I970; and US. Pat. No. 3,608,455 of Rogers B. Downey issued Sept. 28,1971.

As indicated. each of the systems described in the aforementionedcopending applications employ a cassette from which the film need not beremoved during exposure. processing and projection operations. In thesesystems, the cassette is first operated in a camera for exposure of thefilm strip and then subsequently loaded into a projector apparatus whichfirst subjects the cassette to a sequence of operations intended toprocess the film strip to a viewable condition and then subsequentlyprojects the developed, recorded images.

Hence. the apparatus should be capable of operating the cassette in botha processing and projection mode. However, since the processingoperation is performed on the film strip only once, that is. during theinitial operation of the cassette by the processing-projectingapparatus. it is desirable that the apparatus omit operational sequencesassociated solely with film processing during subsequent cassetteoperations. Further, it is generally desirable to allow the processingoperation of the cassette to proceed without interruption, Hence, it isimportant that the processing and projecting apparatus be preprogrammedto provide substantially fully automatic operation capable ofuninterruptedly operating the cassette through a processing programwhich would include fluid deposition on the film strip and subsequentdrying and projection.

Consequently. it is an important object of this invention to provideimproved photographic apparatus for operation of a film handlingcassette.

It is another primary object of this invention to provide improvedphotographic apparatus configured to receive a film handling cassetteand to automatically operate the same through a preprogrammed sequence.

Still another object of this invention is to provide improvedphotographic apparatus for automatically and uninterruptedly operating afilm handling cassette through a preprogrammed sequence.

A further object of this invention is to provide improved photographicapparatus for substantially automatic operation of a film cassette inboth its processing and projection modes.

A still further object of this invention is to provide photographicapparatus for substantially fully automatic operation of a film handlingcassette in response to receiving of the latter in an operativelocation.

An additional object of this invention is to provide improvedphotographic apparatus adapted for automatically locating and latching afilm handling cassette in an operative position and for subsequentlyautomatically operating it through a preprogrammed sequence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The photographic apparatus of the presentapplication is configured for operation of a motion picture filmhandling cassette wich includes a strip of motion picture film, anormally inoperative processing station, and a projection station, andsaid apparatus broadly comprises means for receiving such cassette in anoperative relation with cooperative elements of said appara tus, meansfor latching such cassette in its operative location, and means foroperating such cassette through a predetermined cycle responsive to itsbeing received in said receiving means.

In its illustrated embodiment, the photographic apparatus is a rearprojection viewer which includes a slotlike well configured to receivethe cassette. Responsive to insertion of the cassette within the well, ashaft member is displaced laterally into the cassette to cam the latterinto, and lock it in an operative position within the apparatus.Displacement of the latching shaft into its latching positionautomatically brings cooperating elements of the apparatus intooperative engagement with the cassette and initiates the start of apreprogrammed operational sequence. Finally, at the completion of thepreprogrammed sequence. the latching shaft and other cassette engagingelements are automatically withdrawn, the cassette is partially ejectedfrom the well so as to be accessible for manual removal by the operatorand the apparatus is shut off.

The cassette includes means for indicating the processed or unprocessedcondition of its film strip and the apparatus is configured to cooperatewith and respond to this indicating means so as to operate the cassettein either a processing-projection sequence or only a projectionsequence. This is accomplished by apparatus configured for automaticallytransporting the film strip in both a forward and rewind direction andfor then terminating the cassette operation. When the film strip hasbeen previously processed, projection operation is carried out duringthis first forward run. However, if the film strip has not beenpreviously processed, projection during the first forward transport isomitted and the film strip is processed during the immediate rewind.Then, the transport is automatically repeated with pro jection therebyallowing the film to be first processed and then projected. Consequentlythe apparatus is capable of automatically operating the cassette ineither a processing-projection program or only a projection program andfor terminating cassette operation subsequent to completion of eitherprogram.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to cycle the cassette film so asto initially transport the film in a forward direction to the take-upspool and then rewind the entire length to the supply spool. Followingrewind to the supply spool, the apparatus automatically disengages thelatching shaft member and the driving elements, ejects the cassette andshuts off the apparatus. When the film strip is unprocessed, theapparatus automatically prevents projection during the first forwardtransport of the film and release of the shaft at the end of the firstrewind (during which processing occurs) such that the cassette is thenoperated through an additional forward transport of the film forprojection and a subsequent rewind at which time the termination of theprogram and ejection of the cassette occurs.

In its illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is m tended for operationof a novel film cassette which con tains a strip of film mounted foradvancement. From a supply reel, the film strip extends through anormally inoperative processing station and across an exposureprojectionopening. The processing station comprises a sealed container ofprocessing composition. together with means for releasing thecomposition, and apparatus for applying the released composition in auniform coat to the film, and is enabled in accordance with displacementofthe latching shaft into the cassette and rewind of the film strip tothe supply reel. The cassette also provides means indicative of theprocessed or unprocessed state of the film in the cassette. This signalis employed to select one of two operational modes of the projectorapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features that are consideredcharacteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in theappended claims, The invention itself, however, both as to itsorganization and its method of operation, to gether with additionalobjects and advantages thereof will best be understood from thefollowing description of the preferred embodiment when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers have beenemployed in the different figures to denote the same parts and wherein:

FIG. I is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a motion picture filmhandling cassette and a motion picture viewer embodying the features ofthis invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the film handling cassette of FIG. 1 partiallycut away to show its interior;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the film strip employed in thecassette shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view with parts omitted and parts brokenaway of a portion of the cassette of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of some of the operational elements of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the operation of the spool drivesystem illustrated in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a top view of the operational elements shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The illustrated embodimentofthis invention employs a multipurpose film handling cassette of thetype described in the commonly assigned copending patent applicationSer. No. 227,092 of John F. Batter, Jr. et al. filed herewith andentitled Processing Composition Release Mechanism for Film CassetteComprising Self- Contained Film Processing System. Such a cassette isconfigured for use in a motion picture system in which the severaloperations of exposure, chemical processing. drying and projection ofthe recorded images is accomplished without transferring the film fromits cassette. In this system, a motion picture film stored within amultipurpose cassette. is first exposed in a camera to record sceneimages thereon. Then. the cassette is loaded into a special purposeprojector which first subjects the film strip to a processing treatmentand thereafter drys the film strip and projects the recorded imagesthereon for viewing by an audience.

In the illustrated embodiment of this invention, which may be bestunderstood by first referring to FIG. I of the drawing wherein amultipurpose film handling cassette 10 of the above-noted type isemployed in conjunction with a projector apparatus 12 such as. forexample, is described in the commonly assigned copending patentapplication Ser. No. l74.373 of Philip G. Baker et al filed Aug. 24,I971. The projector 12 is illustrated as a rear projection viewercomprising a boxlike housing 13 defined in part by a front viewingscreen 14. Positioned rearwardly of the screen l4 in an adjoiningrelation to the top surface 15 of the housing 13 is a cassette-receivingslot or well I6 which extends to and is in communication with the topsurface 15. In this embodiment, the well 16 is made up of side walls 17and 18, end walls 19 and 20 and bottom wall 21 which together form abox-like, open ended slot I6 in communication with the top surface 15through the open top 22 of the well. Mounted beneath thecassettereceiving well I6 is a projection lens assembly 23 and areflector element 24 which in conjunction with a conventional projectionlamp 11 is configured to project film images forwardly to the rear ofthe transparent screen 14.

In this figure, the cassette 10 is oriented over the eassette-receivingwell 16 in proper position for loading within the receiving well.Loading is accomplished by moving the cassette downwardly to slide itwithin the receiving well 16 as later explained in detail with regardsto FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. I, the cassette 10 comprises a generally parallelepipedcasing or housing 25 constituted by a pair of planar side walls 26 and27 joined together at their edges by end walls 28, 29 and elongated topand bottom edge walls 30 and 31. A plurality of apertures are located inside wall 26 to facilitate the cassette operation. Hence, anillumination aperture 32 is configured to permit entrance ofillumination for projection purposes. Apertures 33, 34 and 71 permitaccess of external drive members, and aperture 35 is configured toreceive a latching shaft of the apparatus for locating and locking thecassette within the well 16 as later explained in regard to FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a film strip generally designated37, which comprises a leader 38 terminating at an end formed with anaperture such as 39 which serves to connect that end of the film to atakeup spool shown in FIG. 2. Behind the leader 38, which may be in theneighborhood of 18 inches in length, there is a strip 40 ofphotographically useful film, upon which projectable images may beformed. The strip 40 may be, for example, approximately 52 feet inlength for 8mm film.

Following the photographically useful portion 40 of the film strip 37 isa trailer region generally designated 41. The trailer 4] terminates atanother end formed with an aperture 42 by means of which that end of thefilm is adapted to be connected to a supply spool, to be laterdescribed.

The film 37 may comprise a base of any suitable transparent material ofthe kind conventionally used for film bases. As indicated by the dottedlines, the film 37 is seen from the base side in FIG. 3. and theemulsion is on the opposite side. On this base is applied. at least overthe central portion of the photographically usable length 40. anemulsion comprising a photosensitive coating. whereon a series of latentimages illustrated by a series of frames 42 may be formed with asuitable camera. The photosensitive coating is preferably ofone oftheforms. next to be described. which can subsequently be processed to forma projectable image on the film base.

Photosensitive coatings usable in the practice of the invention may beof any conventional variety adapted to be developed by a monobathprocessing composition to form a positive transparency suitable forprojection. In particular. a currently preferred embodiment of theinvention makes use of a film structure. which. upon the base. comprisesa photosensitive layer including both a photosensitive negative emulsionand an image receiving layer to which a positive image may betransferred by diffusion during development without necessitating thesubsequent removal of the emulsion con taining its developed negativeimage.

A composite film assembly of this type. as well as processingcompositions for producing a fully developed black and white imagewithout the necessity of removing the developed negative image afterprocessing. are shown in prior US. Pat. No. 2.861.885 to Edwin H. Land.which issued on Nov. 25. I958. for Photographic Processes and Products.Other composite film assemblies capable of producing developed fullcolor images without the necessity of removing the de veloped emulsionare shown in prior U.S. Patents of Edwin H. Land. Nos. 2.726.154 issuedDec. 6. 1955 for Photographic Product. and 2.944.894 issued .luly I2.1960 for Photographic Processes Utilizing Screen Members.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the film 37 is formed along one edge withsprocket holes such as 43 at regular intervals adapted to cooperate witha drive pawl. in a manner to be described. in either a camera orprojector. for incremental advancement of the film. The series ofsprocket holes 43 adjacent the trailing end 41 of the film may beinterrupted by a first elongated sprocket hole 44. This elongated hole44 may span. for example. two of the sprocket holes 43. Further alongthe film in the direction of the supply reel end. the series of sprocketholes 43 is again interrupted by a second elongated sprocket hole 45.longer than the sprocket hole 44, and. for example, spanning three ofthe sprocket holes 43. The first elongated sprocket hole 44 establishesan exposure end point terminating advance of the film in the camera.whereas the second sprocket hole 45 determines a film take-uptermination point in the projection apparatus 12 as later described indetail.

Cooperation of the sprocket holes 43 with the film drive pawl in acamera (not shown) is conventional. As is well known in the art.following the exposure of each frame of the film. the drive pawl engagesone of the sprocket holes 43, advances the film by one frame length. andis then cammed out of engagement with the film. After being driventhrough a return stroke, the pawl enters the next succeeding sprockethole in preparation for the next film advance movement.

When the first elongated sprocket hole 44 is encountered. the camera'sfilm drive pawl will fail to engage the film. and film advance willterminate. This event may be signaled to the operator. so that theexposed cassette may be replaced with a fresh one. by the somewhatdifferent sound produced when the pawl repeatedly skips the film. Inaddition. a frame counter may be provided to produce a visibleindication when the film has been exposed.

As will appear. it is preferred to advance the film beyond the exposuretermination point established in the camera as just described. beforeapplying processing composition to the exposed film. For that purpose. adouble film drive pawl (not shown) is employed in the illustratedprojector apparatus 12. This double pawl comprises a pair of singlepawls formed integrally and spaced to engage a pair of sequentialsprocket holes 43 when driven in the same manner as the single pawl inthe camera. Upon encountering the first elongated sprocket hole 44, oneof the pawls forming the double pawl will engage the film. driving thefilm beyond the hole 44. However. upon encountering the second elongatedsprocket hole 45, the double pawl will fail to engage the film.terminating film advance as in the camera, but at a point closer to theend of the film connected to the supply reel.

Formed on the trailing end 41 of the film 37, beyond the advancetermination sprocket hole 45 just described. in the direction of thesupply reel end of the film. is a singularity generally designated 48comprising a detent engaging element here shown as an aperture 46 formedin the film. adjacent which a projecting bump 47 is formed. as. forexample. by pressure and heat. The singularity 48 thus comprises araised hook adapted to engage a detent in the form of a process controlactuating element. to be described. as the film is moved with respect tothe detent engaging element in the direction of the take-up reel. Formedon the leader end 38 of the film 37 is another detent engaging means.here shown as an aperture 49 in the central region of the film. Thisaperture serves to actuate a valve member forming a part of theprocessing apparatus to be subsequently described in regard to FIG. 2.

Within the housing 25, as shown in FIG. 2. a supply spool or reel 52 anda take-up spool or reel 54 are c0- planarly mounted for rotation aboutparallel axes. Each spool 52. 54 includes a pair of flanges only theupper of which is shown at 53 and 55. to guide the film strip 37 as itis coiled on these spools. The lower flanges, which are hidden in thisview. would be respectively identical to those shown. As previouslyindicated. the film strip 37 carries apertures 42 and 39 which areemployed to connect the film ends to the spools 52 and 54 in aconventional manner.

As shown in FIG. 2. four unidirectional teeth 58 are formed on theperiphery of the upper flange 53 of the supply spool 52. Correspondingteeth (not shown) are formed on the lower flange in registry with theteeth 58. These teeth are adapted to cooperate with an actuating arm. tobe subsequently described. to effect the release of film processingcomposition in a manner to be described below.

Each flange carries a sprocket schematically indicated at 56 and 57,which may be formed integrally with the upper flanges 53 and 55 andadapt the spools to be driven about their axes of rotation. Of course.the sprockets 56 and 57 may protrude through the apertures 33 and 34(FIG. 1) in the cover plate 26, lightbaffled by suitable conventionalannular portions (not shown) on the cover plate and on the upper surfaceof the flanges 53 and 55. as designated at 59 and 60, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 2. the film 37 is initially in its unexpectedstate and coiled primarily about the supply spool 52. It is shown inFIG. 2 in the position assumed as it nears the end of its movement awayfrom the supply spool 52. as toward the end of exposure in a camera, inwhich it is nearly exhausted from this spool.

In its path from the supply spool 52, the film 37 first encounters aconventional bobulator roll 62 and engages a portion of its periphery,as shown, and passes therefrom around a conventional idler roll 63journalled for rotation in the housing, and thence through a filmprocessing station 64, to be described below. In addition to theapparatus for processing the film 37 in a manner to be described, thefilm processing station 64 comprises a signal generator generallydesignated 65 for producing an external condition signal on termi nalsschematically indicated at 187 and 188, to indicate whether or not theprocessing means has been actuated.

Beyond the film processing station 64, the film 37 extends across anopening 70 which functions at different times for exposure andprojection. The film 37 next passes over a conventional snubber roll,generally designated 68, and finally passes to the take-up spool 54.

In this arrangement, the opening 70 permits image bearing light rays toimpinge on progressive incremen tal sections of the film strip 37 whenthe cassette is op erated in a camera (not shown) and to subsequentlypermit light rays from an external source to be directed through theincremental sections of the film strip and outwardly of the cassette forprojection operations when the cassette is operated in the projectorapparatus 12. Hence, the opening 70 first comprises an exposure stationand subsequently a projection station of the cassette 10. To facilitatethese functions a pressure plate 72 and a prismatic reflector element 74are mounted behind opening 70.

The bobulator 62 may be of any conventional construction. and performsthe known function of isolating the film drive pawl associated with acamera, or the double pawl discussed above that is associated with theillustrated viewer apparatus 12, from the inertia of the supply spool52. For this purpose, the bobulator 62 comprises a roller 61 mounted inany conventional manner on a pivot that is in turn mounted on a support,not shown, movable with respect to the side wall 27 and biased by aspring, such that the bobulator roll 61 can both rotate, and be movedbackwards and forwards in the directions of the double arrow shown inFIG. 2.

The bobulator roll thus responds to increases or de creases in thetension of the film 37 by temporarily shortening or lengthening the filmpath, respectively. Such changes in film tension are produced by theactuation of the film drive paw] and are determined by the inertialforces exerted by the supply spool 52, together with the larger orsmaller supply of film that may be on it at any given time. By thatarrangement, as the film is advanced incrementally by the pawlassociated with the camera or projector, it can rapidly move thebobulator roll 61 against its relatively light spring withoutimmediately affecting the supply spool, which can then more or lessgradually allow the bobulator roll to relax while supplying the segmentof film taken by the pawl.

The snubber roll 68 is illustrated, may be provided with a hub portionschematically indicated at 69 that is adapted to protrude through asuitable light-baffled aperture 71 in the cover panel side wall 26(FIG. 1) for engagement by a stop member (not shown) comprising a partof either the camera or of the projector 12 that is engaged when thefilm is to be incrementally ad' vanced by a pawl for exposure orprojection purposes. The operation of the snubber roll 68 is aconventional arrangement which isolates the frame by frame advancementof the film, across the exposure-projection opening 70 from the take-upspool 54 as subsequently described.

The drive sprockets 56 and 57 of the supply and takeup reels 52 and 54,respectively, are adapted to be engaged by corresponding drive sprocketscomprising a part ofa camera, or of the projector apparatus 12 to bedescribed. In the latter apparatus, both the supply and take-up spoolsare adapted to be driven through slip clutches. In the camera, only adrive for the take-up spool need be provided, and may comprise a slipclutch connected to a drive shaft (not shown) for driving the take-upspool drive sprocket 57, in cooperation with a drive pawl sequentiallyengaging a series of the sprocket holes 43 of the film 37, along aportion of the film in the cassette opening 70. When the snubber roll 68is stopped by engagement of its hub 69 with an appropriate externalmember (not shown), operation of either the camera or of the projectorapparatus to incrementally advance the film towards the take-up spool54, by engagement of a pawl with the sprocket holes in the film 37, willmomentarily loosen the film from engagement with the stationary snubberroll and allow the slip clutch driving the take-up spool to take up thatincrement of the film advanced by the pawl. Accordingly, betweenengagements of the pawl, the slip clutch prevents the take-up spool fromadvancing the film and from thereby interfering with the pawladvancement.

In the projector apparatus 12 to be described, the snubber roll 68 isengaged only while the film strip 37 is to be incrementally advancedonto the take-up spool 54. When the film str p 37 is rewound onto thesupply spool 52, the snubber roll 68 is disengaged and acts as an idler.As will appear, that may occur either during the processing of the filmwhile rewinding, or during subsequent rewinding of the processed filmafter projectton.

The film processing station, fragmentarily shown in FIG. 2 generallycomprises wall means, comprising portions of, or formed integral with,the side wall 26 and 27 of the cassette housing 25, which constitute ahousing 76 retaining a source of processing fluid or composition 77within an internal chamber 78. The container 78 communicates with acoating nozzle generally designated 79. These elements are mounted abovethe plane of the film 37.

The initially sealed container 78 comprises a tub-like receptacle of asuitable plastic or the like selected to resist interaction with theprocessing composition, or permeation thereof by ambient gases and isformed on an open side with a circumscribing flange 71 which is sealedto initially contain the processing composition 77 by one end 73 ofatear-tab generally designated 75. The tear-tab 75 may be made of anysuitable plastic material, or the like, selected to resist the action ofthe composition 77 and to avoid interaction therewith, as well as toprevent the diffusion into the composition of gases such as oxygen,carbon dioxide. carbon monoxide, water, oxides or hydrides of sulfur ornitrogen, or

the like. that might modify its composition. The end 73 is sealed to theplane surface of the flange 71 surrounding the opening formed on thereceptacle 78 by any suitable means such as heat sealing. or a suitableadhesive. or the like. The tear-tab 75 extends. from the re ceptacle 78,back upon itself. out through an aperture 80 and over an idler 81journalled in the housing. to an actuating assembly, next to bedescribed below.

Comparing FIGS. 2 and 4, the supply reel 52 in part overlies anactuating arm generally designated 82 having a curved central portion 83that extends around the flange S3 with clearance to a first arm 84terminating in an upstanding flange 85. The flange 85 is bent up to forma ledge 86 adapted to engage one of the teeth 58 on the flange 53 ofthesupply spool 52 in a manner and for purposes to be described. Anextension 87 of the ledge 86 is formed with an inclined tab 88 that isbent over as shown to form a cam surface for purposes to be described.The extension 87 is also bent to form por tions 89 and 90 that comprisea hook adapted to engage an upstanding post 91 formed integral with thecassette wall 27 to hold the arm 82 in an initial position disengagedfrom the spool 52. Portion 87 of the hook is also formed with a bottomslot not shown, which permits the hook to ride over the post 91 when thearm 84 is urged to the right as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4. The latterdisplacement of the arm 82 is accomplished by a cam member 114, which asshown in FIG. 2 is displaceably mounted in a sleeve 110 of the cassettewall 27 with a cam arm 116 in engagement with the tab 88. The cam 114 islocated in alignment with the latching shaft aperture 35 (see FIG. 1)and spring biased by conventional means (not shown) towards the lattersuch that insertion of the latching shaft 120 of the apparatus 12 intothe cassette (as later explained in regard to FIG. 6) displaces the cam114 inwardly such that its cam arm 116 in cooperation with the inclinedtab 88 forces the arm 82 clockwise over the post 91. This releases thearm 82 and engages its ledge 86 with the flange 53 so as to initiate theprocessing operation as subsequently explained.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the other end of the arm 82 is formed with anextension 93 terminating in an upstanding portion 94 to form ahorizontally-extending flange 95 which is bent again to form adownwardly extending loop or hook 96. The latter extends over a springmember 99 and within a loop 98 of the tear-tab 75. The spring 99 biasesthe actuating arm 82 towards the right so as to initially latch it onthe post 91 and to subsequently force its ledge 86 against the spoolflange 53 upon its release from post 91.

As will appear. when the cassette 10 is inserted into the wall 16 of theprojector apparatus 12, the locating pin 130 is adapted to enter theaperture 35 and drive the cam block 114 inwardly to release the actuatorarm 82 from the post 91. That frees the arm 82 to move downwardly and tothe right in FIG. 2, under the influence of the spring 99, to bring theledge 86 in position to be engaged by one of the teeth 58 formed on theflange 53 of the supply spool 52. Subsequent rotation of the spool 52 ina rewind (clockwise direction) pivots the arm 82 in this direction so asto tear open the pod 78 and dump its fluid 77 to the nozzle 79 forcoating the film strip during its transport. That is, the arm 82 isinitially in engagement with the post 91, so that the ledge 86 is out ofthe way of the teeth 58 formed on the supply spool 52, allowing thesupply spool to rotate in either direction without actuation of the arm82. That position of the parts prevails during exposure of the film inthe camera, while the film is transferred from the supply reel to thetake-up reel. and is maintained when the cassette is removed from thecamera. When the cassette is placed in the projector apparatus 12. to bediscussed below, the locating pin 130 will enter the aperture 35 andrelease the arm 83 from the post 91. It should be noted that with thearm 82 out of engagement with the post 91, the film 37 may still beadvanced further onto the take-up spool 54 without any substantialmovement of the arm 82 since the supply spool 52 is rotating clockwiseas viewed in FIG. 2. That is. because the rims of the spool flange 53rise gradually to the teeth 58, the latter teeth pass the ledge 86without engagement during counterclockwise rotation. However, when thefilm is returned to the supply reel, with subsequent rotation of thesupply spool 52 clockwise. one of the teeth 58 will engage the ledge 86,and rotate the arm 82 clockwise so as to carry the end of the teartab onwhich the loop 98 is formed downwardly. The tear-tab will now become atleast partially detached from the receptacle 78, allowing its processingcomposition 77 to flow to the orifice 79.

As the arm 82 continues to rotate, the hook 96 and the loop 98 formed onthe tear-tab will engage the spring 104 (See FIG. 4), driving the arm 82upwardly and to the right. in which position the arm will then be heldout of engagement with the spool 52 which can thereafter be rotated ineither direction without further interaction with the arm 82.

Other elements of the processing apparatus will next be described withreference to FIG. 2 wherein a pressure pad assembly 102 is shown in theinitial position assumed upon assembly of the cassette and prior toprocessing of the film strip 37. As shown in this figure, the film 37normally passes below the nozzle 79, and above a normally disengagedfilm engaging pad surface 103. The pad surface is an upwardly extendingand generally rectangular protrusion in a base plate 101 and may be madeof any suitable conventional material. such as stainless steel or thelike having the raised surface 103, formed by diestamping or the likewhich is ground or otherwise finished with a film engaging plane that isadapted to mate, through the film 37 with the plane of the nozzle 79 andgenerally conform to the working area (not shown) of the nozzle. The padassembly 102 is mounted on and biased towards the nozzle 79 by a leafspring 113. The pressure pad assembly 102 is formed at one end 108 witha protuberance 105 that is adapted to lightly engage the base side ofthe film 37 and to cooperate with aperture 46 of the film for purposesto appear. Formed adjacent the other end 106 of the plate 101 andextending upwardly therefrom, are a pair of ears only one of which isshown at 107, and which are adapted to extend up past the film 37 oneither side to initially engage the underside of the nozzle 79 in therecess 108 so as to displace the pad 102 into film engagement as thefilm is further advanced onto the supply spool 54 in the projector 12 aslater explained in detail.

Displaceably mounted in conjunction with the end 106 of the pad assembly102 is pressure pad depressing cam and nozzle plate assembly 109 whichcomprises a plane base plate 112 configured to close the nozzle at theend of the processing operation in a manner to be described. Formed asorthogonal extensions on the side one of which is shown at 118, thatserve at times to depress the pressure pad assembly 102 in a manner toappear below. Toward the left end of the plate 112, as shown in FIG. 2,is formed an arm 120 that extends downwardly to provide a spring armextension 121 which is configured to engage the film aperture 49 anddisplace the valve 109 into its closed position as the film iscompletely rewound on the supply spool 52 in the projector 12 as laterexplained.

The cam portion 118 of the assembly 109 is of metallic conductingmaterial and is adapted to cooperate with a pair of contacts orterminals 123 and 124 which extend to the cassettes outer surface asillustrated in FIG. 1. These terminals 123 and 124 of the cassette 10together with the valve 109 form a signal generator or that is, meansfor indicating whether or not the film strip 37 has been processed. Forthis purpose, in the initial position of the parts shown in FIG. 2,assumed before the processing cycle is started. the cam 118 engages bothcontacts 121 and 122 and thus bridges them to supply continuitytherebetween and thus an external signal which indicates by theirbridged condition that the film is not processed. As will appear, at theend of the processing cycle, the valve assembly 109 will be carried tothe right (not shown) thereby opening the contacts 121 and 122 to causean open circuit to be presented to the terminals 123 and 124, indicatingthat the film has been processed. Further. as later explained. theindicating means provided by contacts 121. 122 and valve 109 areutilized to control the programmed sequence in the projector 12.

As previously indicated. the cassette 10 is initially mounted in anappropriate camera. not shown, with the drive means of the latterengaging the hub 57 of the take-up spool 54. At this time, the film isincrementally transported frame by frame by a conventional single clawor the like across the opening 36 and to the takeup spool 54 forexposure of the film to the scene being photographed by the operator.Following exposure, the cassette 10 is inserted in well 16 of the viewer12. Responsive to this insertion, as later explained in detail in regardto FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 the viewer is turned on, the cassette 10 isautomatically located and locked in an operative position. and operatedthrough a preprogrammed sequence to both process the film strip and toproject the recorded images thereof. At the completion of the program,the viewer automatically releases and ejects the cassette and shutsitself off.

As shown in FIGS. and 7, a cassette-latching mechanism 128 is mountedalongside the side wall 18 of the well 16 and in communication with thelatter through an opening 129 thereof. Mounted beneath the cassettelatchmechanism 128 are a spool drive mechanism 140 and a cassette-ejectmechanism 150. Each of these mechanisms is automatically operated, insequence, to program the cassette through a suitable operation. Hence,as subsequently explained in detail. upon insertion of the cassette inthe well 16, the latch mechanism 128 is initially operated to locate andlock the cassette in its operative position within the well. This latchmechanism 128, in turn, initiates or controls substantially all theother mechanisms of the viewer apparatus, and failure of the latchmechanism 128 to properly lock the cassette in place prevents theirsubsequent operation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the latch mechanism 128 includes a verticallyoriented support plate 129 which carries a latching shaft 130 at itsupper end 13]. The lower end 132 of the plate 129 carries a cam follower133, mounted on a depending shaft 137, in engagement with a cam 134. Thelatter is coupled to and rotated by a motor 135 to suitably displace thelatch mechanism 128 from a first position, shown dotted at 136, to itslatching position illustrated in bold lines in this figure. The motor135 is a step motor or the like configured to drive the cam 134 througha one-half revolution and then disrupt (through a suitable switch means,not shown) the circuit which is energizing it. as later explained. atthe completion of the program it is again triggered for onehalfrevolution and automatically shuts itself off. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 7, a pair of springs and 126 bias the plate 129 outwardly from thewell 16 and keep the cam follower 133 in engagement with the cam 134.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the depending shaft 137, upon which the camfollower 134 is mounted, also extends to an arm member 138 of thecassette-eject mechanism 150 and controls the operation of the latter inthat so long as the latch mechanism 128 is in its latch position the armmember 138 is held depressed as shown. Movement of the cassette-latchmechanism 128 to its cassette release position 136 as later explaineddisengages the shaft member 137 from arm 138 and permits the latter tomove upwardly in accordance with operation of the cassette ejectmechanism 150. A normally open switch 139, mounted on the wall 18 by anyconventional means not shown, is configured to energize the drivemechanism 140 and all other circuits to initiate the programmedoperation of the cassette 10 as later explained. In this regard. theswitch 139 is adapted to be engaged by and closed in accordance withdisplacement of the latching mechanism 128 to its latch position asshown. Additionally, the latching shaft carries a cone shaped camsurface 141 which en gages the cassette aperture 35, or that is, sidewall portions thereof (see FIG. 1) to pilot or cam the cassette 10 intoan operative position in the well 16. Additionally. the latch mechanism128, as later explained with regard to the drive mechanism 140, holdsthe latter in a disengaged position until the cassette is properlyseated and locked in the well 16. Hence, it should be understood thatthe latch mechanism 128 not only provides means for locating thecassette in its operative position and for subsequently latching orlocking it in this position but also in conjunction with the switch 139provide means precluding engagement of other operative components withthe cassette and for precluding actuation of the operational programuntil the latch mechanism is fully displaced to its cassette-latchingposition.

As shown in FIG. 6, a switch 142 is mounted at the base 21 of the well16 and is configured to be engaged by the cassette 10 during insertionof the latter. The switch 142 is a normally-open switch which isconnected to the cam drive motor and adapted to trigger the latter intooperation to drive the cam 134 through a one-half revolution and therebydrive the latching shaft 130 into the cassette as the latter ispositioned in the well 16. Hence, the switch 142 in conjunction with thelatch mechanism provides means for energizing the viewer apparatus 12responsive to positioning of the cassette 10 in the apparatus.

Displaceably mounted on the bottom wall 21 of the well 16 is the ejectmechanism 150. This comprises a plate 145 mounted on a pair ofcompression springs 146 and 147. Affixed to the underside of the plate145 is a depending rod or arm 148 which terminates in the eject latchmember 138. The plate 145 includes a centrally located open portionindicated at 149 which permits access of the projection opening 70 (seeFIG. 1) to both an aperture plate and a conventional claw mechanism (notshown). ln operation of the eject mechanism 150, the cassette 10 engagesthe plate 145 and carries it along with the springs 146 and 147downwardly to a cocked position (as illustrated) where the arm 138 (seeHO. of the latch mechainsm 128 holds it. as later explained in detail.until the cassette program is completed.

The drive mechanism 140 will now be described. As shown in H6. 7, thedrive mechanism 140 includes a pair of shaft assemblies 152 and 154which are rotatably journaled in a frame portion 151. Each shaftassembly 152 and 154 includes a shaft 155 and 156, respectively. whichextend outwardly to suitable gears 158 and 159 later described in regardto FIG. 6. included on each shaft 155 and 156 respectively areconventional clutch arrangements 165 and 166. Addition ally. at theforward end of the shafts 155 and 156 are spool drive shafts or spindles162 and 164 which are adapted to engage and mate with the spool hubs 57and 56, respectively. of the cassette responsive to displacement of thelatch mechanism 128 to its cassette latching position as explainedbelow.

The spool drive spindle 162 which is adapted for engagement with thetake-up spool hub 57 carries a motion detector switch 167 operable aslater explained with regard to FIG. 6, to control portions of the drivemechanism 140. The drive spindles 162 and 164 are affixed to a pair ofsleeve members 168 and 170 which slideably and rotatably extend throughthe latch plate 129. Since each of the spindles 162 and 164 aresubstantially identical. except for the switch 167 of the spindle 162only the latter will be described. Hence. as shown in FIG. 5. thespindle 162 is carried by the sleeve member 168 which is biasedrearwardly on the shaft 155 by a spring member 172. The spindle 162 isalso splined to the shaft 155 as designated at 173 such that the spindleis axially displaceable with respect to the shaft. Consequently, each ofthe spindles follow the displacement of, and are carried into and outof, engagement with the cassette 10 responsive to operation of the latchmechanism 128.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drive mechanism 140 includes a motor 174which is adapted to drive each of the shafts 155 and 156 at appropriateintervals in the operation of the cassette 10. Pivotally mounted on themotor 174 is a swivel arm 175 which carries a driving gear 176 at itsupper end. The arm 175 is coupled on one side 177 to a solenoid 178which is, in turn, mounted on the viewer frame, by conventional means,not shown. The other side 179 of the arm 175 is coupled to a spring 180which biases the arm 175 to the left. as shown in this figure. such thatits driving gear 176 is in engagement with the gear 158 of the shaft155. A belt 183 couples the driving gear 176 to the motor 174 and drivesthe gear 176 in a clockwise direction as shown.

In order to provide an appropriate clockwise motion to the gear 159which controls the motion of the supply spool of the cassette 10, anidler gear 184 is placed in a position intermediate the gear 159 and thedriving gear 176. Hence, when the idler gear is pivoted to the rightresponsive to operation of the solenoid 148 as later explained, thecontinued clockwise operation of the driving gear 176 drives the gear159 in a clockwise direction as shown.

In operation of the viewer 12. the swivel arm 175 is initially urged bythe spring to a position for takeup spool engagement as shown in boldlines in FIG. 6 to drive the film strip forward and then in accordancewith energization of solenoid 178 is pivoted to a position shown indotted lines for supply spool engagement to rewind the film strip. Thesolenoid 108 is electrially controlled by the motion sensing switch 167,which may, for example, be a centrifugal switch operative in accordancewith shaft motion.

The switch 167 is adapted to energize solenoid 180 to pivot the arm 178and its driving gear 176 out of engagement with the gear 158 and intoengagement with the idler gear 184 once the forward motion of thecassette film is stopped, (responsive to reaching the trailing end ofthe film). That is, when motion ofthe spindle 162 ceases, switch 67 isoperable to turn on the solenoid 180 which holds itself in this stateuntil deactivated. Then at the end of rewind, once the motion of thespindle 162 ceases (in accordance with the stopping of the cassettespools when the leading end of the film is reached) the switch 167 againpulses the solenoid 180 to deactivate it and thereby allows the swivelarm 175 to again return to its forward drive position under the urgingof spring 182. Hence, the drive mechanism 140 provides means cooperatingwith the cassette 10 for repeatedly transporting its film strip 37 firstthrough a forward and then a rewind cycle. As later explained, if thecassette has been processed, the projection lamp 11 is energized duringthe forward run of this cycle to project images of the scenes recordedon the film strip 37.

The switch 167 is also connected through appropriate circuitry, notshown, to activate the cam motor 135 when the switch 167 is triggered atthe end of rewind. For example, a suitable switch means may be includedwith or coupled to the solenoid 180 and configured to trigger the cammotor 135 into operation to release and eject the cassette 10 when thesolenoid is released by the switch 67. Hence, the drive means 140 alsoincludes means for terminating the transport cycle at the end of rewind.

As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of contacts designated 187 and 188 arepositioned in the bottom 21 of the well 16 and adapted to connect thecassette terminals 123 and 124 to an appropriate process sensing circuitdesignated in block diagram form at 190. The latter circuit 190 isadapted to appropriately control the programming of the cassette 10during its processing operation. That is, when the cassette 10 isunprocessed and continuity exists between the terminals 123 and 124, thecircuit 190 through suitable switch means (not shown) interrupts thecircuit and prevents operation of the lamp 11 during this firsttransport cycle of the film. Additionally, the motion detecting switch67 is also connected through the circuit 190 to the cam motor 135 (seeFIG. 5) to suitably control the release of the latch mechanism 128 atthe end of the first rewind. Hence, the circuit 190, through suitableswitch means, not shown, also interrupts this latter circuit when thecassette has not been previously processed. Since the continuity of theterminals 123 and 124 is disrupted just prior to the end of rewind andthe second operation of the motion detector switch 167, the circuit 190would include a delay circuit. not shown. which would continue todisrupt operation of the cam motor 135 for a short interval followingopening of the terminals. Of course, once the forward motion of the filmbegins, the switch 167 is again placed in a passive state and a furthersignal will not be delivered to the cam motor 135 until the end of thefollowing rewind.

The circuit 190 is also utilized to appropriately control portions ofthe transport cycle during processing. For example. the circuit 190 iscoupled to the drive motor 174 to vary the rotation of the latter so asto particularly control the film speed during the processing rewind.Preferably, the motor 174, which may be a dc motor or the like. iscontrolled to provide a constant linear velocity to the film stripduring the latter rewind operation.

The viewer 12 also includes a blinder arrangement, not shown, as forexample, is described in the copending US. patent application of EdwinH. Land Ser. No. 174.375 entitled Photographic Processing and ProjectingApparatus and filed on Aug. 24, 1971 wherein blinders are automaticallydisplaced across the aper ture plate of the viewer during each rewind soas to provide a light-tight environment during processing operations.

The operation of the viewer 12 will now be explained. Following exposureof the film strip 37 in a camera, where in accordance with the singleclaw thereof the first elongated sprocket hole 44 will be in adjoiningrelation to the expose-project opening 70, the cassette 10 is theninserted in the well 16. Insertion compresses the eject springs 146 and147 and triggers the switch 142. The latter triggers the cam motor 135to rotate its cam 134 so as to displace the latching mechanism 128 toits latching position. Hence, the cam 134 displaces the latching shaft130 laterally across the well 16 and into the cassette aperture 35 tocam the cassette 10 into its operative position where its opening 70 isin suitable overlying relation with the aperture plate (not shown) atthe bottom of the well. Additionally, displacement of the latchingassembly to its latching position also locks the eject mechanism 150 inits cocked position responsive to engagement of the shaft 137 with theeject arm 138.

As the latch mechanism 128 reaches its latching position. it carries thedrive spindles 162 and 164 into engagement with the spool hubs 57 and 59and triggers the switch 139 to energize the drive motor 174.

At this time. the swivel arm 175 is biased under spring 180 such thatthe driving gear 176 is in driving engagement with the gear 158 andconsequently tends to drive the film strip 37 in a forward direction.Further. the double claw (not shown) of the viewer 10 displaces the filmin a forward direction until the second elongated sprocket hole 45 isreached. During this forward drive of the film, the projection lamp 11is held off by means of the process sensing circuit 190 responsive tothe continuity between the cassette terminals 123 and 124 which areindicative of the unprocessed condition of the film strip 37. Once theelongated hole 45 is reached. substantially all of the film strip 37will be wound on the take-up spool 54 and motion of the spindle shaft162 will cease. This triggers its motion detector switch 167 whichactivates the solenoid 178 to draw the swivel arm to the right in FIG. 6and displace its gear 176 into engagement with the idler gear 184. Thelatter drives the supply spool in a clockwise direction and rewinds thefilm strip 37 thereon.

During this rewind operation, the processing fluid is deposited on thefilm strip 37. In this regard, as previously indicated, insertion of thelatching shaft in the cassette aperture 35 engages the cam 114 whichreleases the processor arm 82 thereby enabling the processor 64. Then asthe film is driven further forward to the trailing end, the bump 47displaces the pressure pad assembly 102 into its film engagementposition. As the supply spool 52 is driven clockwise responsive tocounterclockwise motion of the idler gear 184, as just previouslyexplained. the pod is opened and its fluid 77 is dumped to the nozzle 79so as to coat the film during its passage thereby as it returns to thesupply spool 52. Finally, as the leading end of the film 37 approachesthe supply spool, the film aperture 49 engages the valve 109 anddisplaces it between the processor 64 and the pad assembly 102 to closeoff the nozzle and cam the pad out of film contact. Additionally, thisvalve dis placement opens the contacts 123 and 124 and hence, triggersthe process sensing circuit 190 to a project mode.

Once the rewind operation has been completed, the spool rotation ceasesand the motion detector switch 167 of the spindle 162 is again actuated.This second actuation releases or deactivates the solenoid 178 whichpermits the swivel arm 175 to return to its forward drive position. Atthis time circuit 190 prevents actuation ofthe cam motor 135. However,since circuit 190 is now in a project condition, the projection lamp isthen energized during the subsequent forward transport of the film so asto project the film images for viewing. Of course, as in conventionalprojectors, the viewer claw would also be in film engagement during thisforward run to incrementally advance the film across the projectionopening 70 of the cassette.

Following completion of the forward run of the film and the consequentstoppage of the take-up spindle 162, its motion detector switch 167again triggers solenoid 178 to force arm 175 to its rewind position.Then upon completion of the rewind operation, and consequent stoppage ofthe spindle 162, its motion detector switch 167 releases the solenoidand, since it is now freed of the restraint of the sensing circuit 190,also actuates the cam motor to return its cam 134 to the start position.Hence, the latter is rotated to withdraw the latching mechanism 128 fromits latch position. This displacement of the latch 128 to its releaseposition deactivates the switch 139 to shut off the drive mechanism 140and also releases the arm 138 of the eject mechanism which. under theforces of the eject springs 146 and 147, lifts the cassette 10 partiallyout of the well 16 where it is accessible to be grasped by the operatorfor removal. In this eject position, the cassette 10 will be disengagedfrom well switch 142 so that the viewer 12, which is automatically shutdown as switch 142 is released and the motor 135 reaches its startposition, will not be again energized unless the cassette 10 is againdriven downwardly into the well 16.

Once the cassette 10 has been previously processed (previously insertedinto and operated by the viewer 12) the terminals 123 and 124 will beopen, and hence. will indicate a processed condition of the cassette.Consequently. hen the latter is inserted in the well, the film 37, whichwas previously rewound to the supply spool. will be driven forward undernormal projection conditions. Hence. the lamp 11 will be energized atthis time since the process sensing circuit 190 responds to the opencircuit (processed) condition of the terminals 123 and 124. Followingthe forward advancement, the film advancement is reversed responsive tothe switch 167. At the end of rewind, responsive to the second actuationof the switch 167 which is also now free of restraint from the circuit190, the latch mechanism l28 is withdrawn, the viewer is shut off andthe cassette is ejected in accordance with the termination of operationspreviously explained in regard to shut down at the end of the secondrewind occurring in the process and project operation.

Consequently, the viewer or projector apparatus is configured toautomatically operate a processed cassette through a forward (project)and rewind cycle of the film. For unprocessed cassette, the apparatusautomatically operates it through the same basic film trans port cyclebut without projection and with processing during rewind. Then the filmtransport cycle is essentially repeated but with projection during theforward run of the film strip. At the end of the rewind subsequent toprojection the cassette is ejected and the viewer shut off. This isaccomplished by a viewer apparatus configured to essentially operate thecassette through a forward and rewind cycle and then eject it. When thecassette is unprocessed. this cycle is repeated twice withmodifications. Hence, when the cassette is unprocessed the eject whichwould normally occur at the end of the first rewind is in essenceaborted and the film transport portion of the program is allowed torepeat. Further, the projection arrangements which are normally broughtinto operation during the first forward run are delayed until the secondcycle.

It should be understood. of course, that the spool rotation maysometimes be momentarily interrupted as the spool waits for the claw toadvance the next increment of film, etc. Consequently. the motiondetector switch or its interconnected circuitry (not shown) withsolenoid 179 is designed with conventional means, such as appropriatedelay circuits, so as to avoid response to spool stoppage of very shortduration.

Those familiar with the motion picture arts will readilly appreciate thenovel and highly unique advantages of this apparatus which providessubstantially completely automatic operation of a multipurpose cassette.The apparatus is simply constructed to provide a fundamental cycle ofthe film through a forward and rewind operation followed by automaticshut down of the viewer. For the processing operation, in response to anindicating means of the cassette, this cycle is modified to eliminateprojection during the first cycle and to repeat the cycle, essentiallyby preventing shut down of the viewer at the end of the first transportcycle. Means are also provided in a simplified compact arrangement forpositively latching and locating the cassette in its operative position,for eliminating accidental interruption of initial processing andprojection mode by the operator, and for terminating the operation ofthe viewer following completion of the required program. Further, theapparatus is energized by insertion of the cassette and followingoperation of the cassette alternatively through either of thepreprogrammed operational sequences, the viewer is shut off and thecassette is partially ejected to permit grasping and removal of it bythe operator. Consequently, a fully automatic apparatus is provided forprocessing and projection of a multipurpose cassette.

This invention may be practiced or embodied in still other ways withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential character thereof. The preferredembodiments described herein are therefore illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claimsand all variations which come within the meaning of the claims areintended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

l. Photographic projection apparatus for use with a cassette containinga first and second rotatably mounted spool and an elongatedimage-bearing film strip having its ends respectively connected to thespools and being initially substantially entirely coiled around saidfirst spool, said apparatus comprising:

a housing having a slot formed therein, said slot being configured tohave at least a major portion of the cassette inserted thereinto;

means within said housing fixedly located with respect thereto forreceiving the cassette as it is inserted through said slot and locatingthe cassette at an operative position within said housing in alignmentwith said slot.

a pair of drive shafts initially positioned within said housing so asnot to be contacted by the cassette as it is inserted through said slotinto said receiving and locating means;

normally unenergized film image projection means;

means within said housing automatically responsive to the insertion ofthe cassette into said receiving and locating means for displacing saiddrive shafts from their said initial positions into respectiveengagement with the cassettes spools, means responsive to movement ofsaid drive shafts into engagement with said spools; for energizing saidfilm image projection means and for energizing said drive shaft engagedwith said second cassette spool to facilitate the progressiveadvancement of the film strip into operative relationship with said filmimage projection means and the coiling of the film strip around saidsecond cassette spool, and means for energizing said drive shaftengaging said first cassette spool to effect the return of the filmstrip to its original position within the cassette, for returning saiddrive shafts to their original positions within said housing, fordeenergizing said drive shafts and said film image projection means andfor displacing the cassette outwardly from its operative position withinsaid housing through said slot, the initiation and termination of theentire operation and control of said apparatus thus being solely andcompletely responsive to the single manual step of an operatorsinserting the cassette into said slot and said apparatus thus servingautomatically to condition the cassette for repetitive such use in saidapparatus prior to its automatically effecting said displacement of thecassette.

1. Photographic projection apparatus for use with a cassette containinga first and second rotatably mounted spool and an elongatedimage-bearing film strip having its ends respectively connected to thespools and being initially substantially entirely coiled around saidfirst spool, said apparatus comprising: a housing having a slot formedtherein, said slot being configured to have at least a major portion ofthe cassette inserted thereinto; means within said housing fixedlylocated with respect thereto for receiving the cassette as it isinserted through said slot and locating the cassette at an operativeposition within said housing in alignment with said slot. a pair ofdrive shafts initially positioned within said housing so as not to becontacted by the cassette as it is inserted through said slot into saidreceiving and locating means; normally unenergized film image projectionmeans; means within said housing automatically responsive to theinsertion of the cassette into said receiving and locating means fordisplacing said drive shafts from their said initial positions intorespective engagement with the cassette''s spools, means responsive tomovement of said drive shafts into engagement with said spools; forenergizing said film image projection means and for energizing saiddrive shaft engaged with said second cassette spool to facilitate theprogressive advancement of the film strip into operative relationshipwith said film image projection means and the coiling of the film striparound said second cassette spool, and means for energizing said driveshaft engaging said first cassette spool to effect the return of thefilm strip to its original position within the cassette, for returningsaid drive shafts to their original positions within said housing, fordeenergizing said drive shafts and said film image projection means andfor displacing the cassette outwardly from its operative position withinsaid housing through said slot, the initiation and termination of theentire operation and control of said apparatus thus being solely andcompletely responsive to the single manual step of an operator''sinserting the cassette into said slot and said apparatus thus servingautomatically to condition the cassette for repetitive such use in saidapparatus prior to its automatically effecting saId displacement of thecassette.